Mystery (to me) part

[MarkCFI]

I pulled the cowl off my RV-4 to do an oil change. When I pulled the lower cowl this small piece of thin stainless fell out.

I didn’t build this plane so I was hoping someone that has a little more experience might be able to identify it.

[Bruce]

Heat shield.
Missing the 2 stainless steel band clamps.
Would look for marks on engine mount.

Boomer

[David Paule]

I agree with Bruce. Also look for places where that size heat shield makes sense.

Dave

[hgerhardt]

I’d bet the two hose clamps are still on one of the exhaust tubes holding the broken tabs of that shield.

[MarkCFI]

Thanks all……..

I’ll be back up at the Hangar on Wednesday and will see if I can find the location.

I had no idea what it was…….

[bruceh]

Take a really close look at the other parts in and around the exhaust pipes and engine mounts. Steel heat shrouds shouldn't stress out from most vibrations and crack like that.

[MarkCFI]

Well, my friend went up and took a quick look and he thought I might have a crack in one of the exhausts. Looks like it’s kind of near a couple of bands.

I’ll be heading up again Wednesday to take a closer look and see if that is actually a crack but now I’m a little suspicious.